AUTUMN TUNES

Man, I missed the fall.

Every year, I think it'll have gotten old, and every year I'm surprised...

It never does, huh?

October is an annual rash for me. I know it's coming when the air has that lasting chill in your lungs, and everything smells like death (tree death, that is.) This October, I've already turned 18. Scary, right? I don't think I'm ready for that.

Mostly, my October has been comprised of nothing but college essays, homecomings, birthdays, and music. Lots and lots of music.

And what kind of person would I be if I didn't share this fall's top music picks?

I'll warn you; it's an odd assortment of tracks. Some tracks are pretty new. Some are folky and country, and some are 90's-Shrek-singing-rock-don't-talk-to-me bangers. Fair warning...

Here are my top ten for October. p.s. I wrote this before Taylor Swift's Midnights came out, so just understand that my October fav songs have changed a bit in the past week. But more on that later. Please enjoy.

10. "Something In The Orange" by Zach Bryan

Something about country music makes it feel like fall. Zach Bryan is no exception. This song encompasses all the angst and sadness felt during the season; a never-ending time to evaluate change. This song specifically gets me in the mood for deep thought. Driving on the highway at dusk, I can't help but think about more things changing than just the leaves in the trees. This time next year, there will be no pretty Winston trees hugging my car as I drive down Reynolda Rd. Instead, I'll be somewhere completely different, wandering around other avenues. This seems scary to me, even isolating. However scary the future is, "something in the orange tells me we're not done."

9. "Anywhere With You" by Maggie Rogers

One of my favorite artists, Maggie Rogers, recently released her newest album, "Surrender." The album itself is unlike anything she has ever created. And I'm obsessed. This song is particularly personal to me because of the pure genius lyrics. With lines like "You tell me that forever couldn't come too soon. If I'm gonna lose my mind, I'm gonna lose it with you," I don't understand how anyone couldn't love this song. The beat is electric; the harmonies startling. It has this great static section between verses, bringing your attention back to the music in case you got lost somewhere in the car while listening. One thing I love about Maggie Rogers is she always sounds as if she's screaming at you. That's exactly how I feel during the fall, like screaming.

8. "Maine" by Noah Kahan

Back to the folky stuff, Noah Kahan is the next great songwriter. I'm calling it now. "Stick Season" is quickly becoming a granola favorite, but I'm more interested in this song. This song makes me feel nostalgic for a place I've never known: Maine. And when I listen to this song, I can see the New England scenery all too clear, whisking me away to lighthouses and rocky beaches.

7. "This Time of Year" by Better Than Ezra

There's a certain feeling that comes with this song too. I remember listening to this song as a little kid; It's one of my dad's favorites. The song is about the fall time and what glorious feelings it brings. I love it. It's not about the melody or instruments, although those are great. It's about the lyrics themselves. Everyone can find a way to relate to this song, even if it's as simple as "there's a football in the air." My favorite lyric is, "well, I know there's a reason to change (this time of year)." The fall is a time to change, even if you are doing everything in your power not to. It's not the seasons that change; It's us and our perspectives on the world.

6. "Black Moon" by The Walters

Another new song? Who am I? This song is track 3 on The Walters' new EP "Try Again." It slays. It's such a perfect pumpkin-picking tune. The Walters never fail to encourage me, whether to get my homework done or get my butt to school. I like this song and am just happy that The Walters are still making music. Please listen to it. Enough said.

5. "Babydoll" by Dominic Fike

I had to include something a little more R&B-inspired. This song does the trick and the treat. Haha, get it? I love Dominic Fike, and this song is no exception. It's not super autumn-y, but I'm recently re-obsessed with it. This song is a pretty short track to include on your fall playlist, making it optimal to impress your friends with a cruising-around soundbite. I've probably listened to this song at least five times while writing this single entry alone. And you know what? I'm still not sick of it.

4. "Thought You Should Know" by Morgan Wallen

Disclaimer: I hate Morgan Wallen as a person. I don't believe or condone his political beliefs. And if you want to know more about separating the music from the musician, read my blog post entitled, 'The "Art" in Artist: Is it merely a syllable?' But for right now, we are just talking about this song. This song is his latest single, once again proving he knows how to make some good music. I like this song precisely because of its authentic and genuine nature. It's about Wallen calling his mother to tell her he's making her proud despite past concerns. It's not inherently fall-ish, but it's still worth the listen. Give it a chance, even if you don't like country music. It may surprise you.

3. "Have You Seen Me Lately?" by Counting Crows

HECK YEA to Counting Crows in the fall. "Get away from me" never hit so hard as an opening lyric as it does in October. This season, although inspiring and wonderful and yada yada, can be so freaking draining as a high school student. Don't even get me started about college applications. This song is my ultimate "I just got out of school, and I'm flying on the highway" jam. I listen to it almost daily, turning it up and tuning the rest of the world out. I love how aggressive this song is for absolutely no reason. Coupled with its dumbfounding lyricism and stellar guitar, this song might be the most perfect fall song.

2. "How to disappear" by Lana Del Rey

I had to include something a little depressing now, didn't I? Lana Del Rey always has that covered. I know this song isn't new by a long shot, but that doesn't make it any less perfect for autumn. Something about this track makes me feel like wandering downtown Winston with nothing but a dirty iced chai to my name. It feels like shrinking into your sweaters, academic validation, and taking after-school naps. Tell me I'm wrong. I rediscovered this song on TikTok, where a girl was listening to it while getting ready for bed. Something about this song screams, "let's try and take care of ourselves, huh?" And I love it. As the fall sets in, let's all remember to get ready for bed and romanticize tragic love like Lana.

1. "All I Need To Hear" by The 1975

This final song is also new. Brought to you by The 1975's latest album, "Being Funny In A Foreign Language," this song might be the sweetest thing I've ever heard. I guarantee you that it will play at my wedding someday. It's the most beautiful, sweet, and sincere song I've heard in a while. Without a doubt, I could marry the piano in it. When the opening notes start, and Matthew Healy's voice starts with his desperate "I get out my records," it's hard not to fall in love automatically. It's so soft and romantic and just makes me want to dance in refrigerator light for the rest of my days. This song isn't just a lovely love song; It's a great Sunday tune for picking up your room and forcing yourself to wash away the weekend's heartbreak. There's something beautiful about a Sunday song, especially one you hope you can one day relate to. "'Cause I don't need music in my ears. I don't need the crowds and the cheers. Oh, just tell me you love me 'cause that's all that I need to hear." Literally, kill me now. My heart is melting. This deserves the top spot simply because of its tender nature. Happy fall Matthew Healy.

I hope you enjoyed the hodgepodge soundtrack for this beautiful month. Have a fabulous October and stay tuned for a Midnights review :))))